Southern California -- this just in

Man allegedly bites off part of deputy's ear in fight

A man who allegedly bit off part of a deputy's ear and tried to take his gun during a fight was arrested on suspicion of mayhem and attempted murder, authorities said Monday night.

Miguel Delacruz, 41, was stopped by the deputy in the Palmdale area because the deputy wanted to know why the man was walking in the middle of the street in 38-degree weather about 3:45 a.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

Delacruz allegedly began fighting with the deputy and bit off part of his left ear and grabbed for his gun, the department said.

"Although in pain from the loss of a significant portion of his ear," the department said in a statement, "the deputy was able to retain his gun."

Delacruz was subdued and arrested after additional deputies arrived at the scene in the 200 block of East Palmdale Boulevard. Delacruz, on probation for kidnapping, was being held without bail, the department said.

Doctors were unable to reattach the deputy's ear because of the risk of infection.